PWT In The News
We have been contacted a lot over the past 4 weeks by TV, radio and newspapers to give our view on the current passport delays that have been well documented.
Currently we receive over 200 submissions a day from people who have recently been through the passport application process. They provide us with their timelines, overall experience and general feedback about the service. We then use this crowd sourced data to provide an average waiting time for all types of UK passport.
Let's start with some facts......
As of 29th May 2022 the current average waiting times are:
1st Adult: 32.49 Days
Adult Renewal: 23.50 Days
1st Child: 37.90 Days
Child Renewal: 25.64 Days
Considering Her Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) state you should allow 10 weeks for your passport you may wonder what all the fuss is? Also, as you will see on our experiences pages, many applicants receive their passport in as little as 2 weeks!
Well, the problem is although the above crowd sourced averages are accurate for the majority there are quite a lot of people who are having to wait far longer than 10 weeks. These applicants are subsequently missing holidays, weddings and other important events.
It is this section of people where frustrations arise particularly with communications and not being able to easily speak to someone.
Most Common Complaints
- Can't get through on the telephone - we have been sent screenshots of 5 hour call durations whilst on hold.
- No fast track interviews available.
- Stuck on processing with no further updates.
- Told different information from one phone agent to the next.
- Calls not being returned.
- Inconsistencies - some people receiving their passport in only 2 weeks.
Why is this happening?
HMPO have seen unprecedented demand as over 5 million people delayed renewing their passport due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions. In March 2022 HMPO processed more than 1 million passports which is the highest on record. From the feedback we have received delays appear to be more evident when the application is not straight forward and/or requires more supporting documents or if there is a mistake on the application. There also seems to be longer processing times for people making applications for a lost/stolen passport (we have started collecting data specifically for this). Due to the unprecedented volume of applications the current workforce at the passport office are finding it hard to process all passports within the 10 week guideline they state.
What you can do?
1. If your passport has been stuck in the system for 10 weeks you can demand immediate priority.
2. If you are getting desperate you can contact your MP's office; they have a fast-track hotline.
3. Try this telephone number. Some of our users have reported having more success calling
01633 285419
We are an independent website and have no affiliation with HMPO. We can not advise on your application but we can recommend our
forum and
experience pages where there is plenty of really useful information shared by our users.
Please comment below if you would like to share your thoughts on the current delays.
